Souvenir coin sparked nano spy alert

A commemorative Canadian 25 cent coin was responsible for a US Defence Department security alert that soured relations between the US and its closest neighbour.

Concerned US contractors reported that a sinister new technology had been found embedded in the coin, which were apparently of Canadian origin.

One filed a report describing how the coin was "filled with something man-made that looked like nano-technology".

"Under high power microscope, it appeared to be complex consisting of several layers of clear, but different material, with a wire like mesh suspended on top," continued the vigilant contractor, who also noted the absence of electrical security or radio emissions.

This didn't deter his security chiefs, however, who launched into flights of fancy. Subsequently, in January the US Defence Department issued a warning suggesting that Canada may be using radio technology, embedded in coins.